Supplied by DairyNZ

Step into governance: DairyNZ seeks emerging farmer-leader

DairyNZ is giving New Zealand farmers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on governance and leadership experience within the dairy sector.

It has opened applications for its sought-after associate director role on DairyNZ’s board.
The one-year position offers levy-paying farmers with a passion for dairy the chance to contribute to one of their industry-good bodies and participate in discussion and debate.

DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown says 15 dairy farmers have taken up the role since it was first introduced in 2013 and it has been a key stage in their governance development.

“The associate director role isn’t just a seat at the table – it’s a stepping stone to shaping the future of New Zealand’s dairy industry. Supported by our eight DairyNZ board members, this role offers emerging leaders a rare chance to experience governance firsthand and contribute to sector-wide decisions,” she says.

“Farmer leaders who have taken on the role in the past have gone on to make valuable contributions to the sector in governance roles. Our current deputy chair, Cameron Henderson, was an associate director in 2020/21 and farmer-elected board member Richard McIntyre was an associate director in 2019. Others have gone on to governance roles in the sector.”

The incumbent associate director, Greg Collins, says the role is an excellent way to get governance experience in an industry-good setting.

“It has been a really positive learning experience for me. From a governance training perspective, it is very comprehensive. While it’s a non-voting role, the associate director is very involved in a lot of the decision-making process, and your voice is heard. The mentoring I have received and support from other board members has been invaluable and has vastly increased my governance knowledge and ability,” he says.

“I underestimated how extensive DairyNZ’s strategy is and the complexities of its workstreams. There’s an awful lot of behind the scenes work that farmers don’t really see, particularly in the political space well beyond the farm gate.

“I’d encourage all farmers who are eager to have more involvement in shaping the sector from a leadership position to apply for the role,” says Greg.

How to apply
There is one associate director position open to current levy-paying dairy farmers who are demonstrating leadership within their community and/or the dairy sector.

It is a non-voting role and is appointed for a one-year timeframe beginning 1 June 2026. A commitment of approximately 30 days per annum and the ability to travel are required.

To apply, email your CV and cover letter to corporate.secretary@dairynz.co.nz.

Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 20 February 2025, with interviews to follow in March.

More details are available at https://dairynz.co.nz/director-vacancy.